Upper Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, 4/27/2018:
Although the surface temperature finally started moving up this week, the water hasn't managed to climb above 55 degrees and trigger more action from the rockfish nor get them to come out of the rivers. The DNR did report this week that the spawn is on but while that may be the case, we certainly haven't seen any mass-migrations of fish back into the open Bay just yet. Most guys who headed out this week were skunked, but Fishbones had a couple reports of trophies caught around the Bay Bridge and Thomas Point. Anglers caught the fish trolling six-inch shad deep. Although these baits may seem small for this time of year, Fishbones said using a smaller bait may make a positive difference because larger fish seem sluggish due to the cold weather. With a warm forecast for the upcoming week, it's looking like the first of second weekend of May is when we'll see some real action start to happen.
Other tackle shops that commonly have intel on Upper Bay fishing, like Clyde's Sport Shop and Tochterman's, said that the successful anglers they spoke with had been those hitting freshwater haunts instead of working the Bay (see the Freshwater Reports, for more info). Most of the reader reports we received of fish caught in the Upper Bay this week came from around the Bay Bridges, Love Point, and the Triple Buoys. Standard spring trophy trolling spreads were catching the fish, however, most anglers said that the boat rods running deep lines definitely out-caught planer board lines running near the surface, jibing with Fishbone's mention of deep lures working best. We also heard from some anglers catching fish on bunker chunks fished on bottom, however, they were undersized fish. Similar reports came from jiggers working around the Bay Bridge pilings, who enjoyed decent action but as far as we could tell didn't break the 30-inch mark.
Upper Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, 4/20/2018:
As rockfish season opens tomorrow, many anglers of the Chesapeake spent the past week bopping around, searching for the spot they're most likely to pull in a trophy fish. We wish we had better news, folks, but the truth of the matter is that unfortunately, the search proved largely unproductive for many, not forecasting well for the weekend. Tochterman's did note that while fishing has been relentlessly slow, the Bay Bridge pilings have seen some action with suspended fish, as well as the channel edges. Jigging has been the best tactic to pick up suspended fish, purple and chartreuse soft plastics have been productive colors. Yes, the fish around the pilings are reportedly smaller than those in deeper water along channel edges, but they are far more abundant. Only a few trophies have come from trollers this week, and they're the only confirmed reports of keeper-sized fish that we've had. Trollers have been using the usual variety of lures. While many of the large fish have been deeper than expected, most boats have kept their spreads at varying lengths. Before heading out tomorrow, be sure to read Spring Trophy Striper Trolling Spreads, to hone the finer points of your presentation.
The good news is that with the larger numbers of quality fish being reported from Way North, waiting in deep water for a warming trend, while the opening weekend may not be red-hot there should be a good bite coming in the future. The un-spring-like weather undoubtedly has caused a delay in the usual striper patterns but sooner or later it will warm up, those fish will spawn, and we should be able to intercept them on their way out of the Bay.
Upper Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, 4/13/2018:
With rockfish season opening in just over a week, anglers who are eager to get out and test the waters will have a great opportunity this weekend as DelMarVa will be experiencing a much needed break in the crummy weather we've been handed so far this spring. Although fishing has been slow on the main Bay, Tochterman's reported that a few anglers who trolled red hoses and large soft plastics at the channel edges did catch trophy fish. Our typical spring hot-spots haven't begun to see action yet, with only a few confirmed reports of fish coming from Love Point, Podickory Point, and other historically good areas. Jiggers hitting the Bay Bridge pilings have also been catching a few fish, but not in great numbers nor large sizes. Reports are better from the Middle Bay, for catch and release striper fishing. With the incoming warm weather, however, this could change in a matter of days.
In the tributaries white perch still present an opportunity to take home dinner. Grass shrimp and bloodworm bits fished on bottom in deep holes did the trick last week (see the Freshwater Report for more details on this action). Yellows have pulled a disappearing act, although there are plenty of catfish mixed in with the perch in most tidal areas.
Upper Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, 4/6/2018:
With this week bringing a few days of fair weather, fishermen finally had a chance to get out on the water and relax. Even better, Tochtermans reported that the bite for those who were out on the water this week resulted in a vast majority of anglers catching at least a couple schoolie sized rock. Small males have been hanging around Love Point and Snake Reef, as well as around the Bay Bridge Pilings. Trolling the warmer upper water column has produced the best results, however it is worth noting that most large fish have been found closer to bottom.
Reports of white perch in the Severn and Magothy rivers have stayed consistent, with bloodworm and grass shrimp the primary bait. Clyde's Sport Shop has noted Beechwood as a prime perch destination. We've also had reports of a good white perch bite up the Chester near Millington, and one unconfirmed report of a lone shad caught in Deer Creek. This action, like much of what we've been expecting in local waters, is primed and should bust loose as soon as some sunny days bring the water temperatures up a bit.